Jeju Island and Busan might be familiar to most of the people, but there are many more interesting places in South Korea that yet to be discovered by foreign tourists. In this post, I would like to introduce a coastal city, Yeosu that is well-known among Koreans for its breathtaking view.
Yeosu is a city located on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, and comprises the Old Yeosu City, founded in 1949, Yeocheon City, founded in 1986, and Yeocheon County which were merged into the current Yeosu city in 1998. Yeosu became more famous with the song ‘Yeosu Night Sea’ sang by a Korean singer-songwriter, Jang Beom June. Read on if you are curious and interested to travel to Yeosu.
HOW TO GET THERE
Yeosu is reachable in few ways, the travel time and the transportation fare are factors to consider when choosing your preference.
- By Bus : The express bus terminal is connected to most bus routes across South Korea. Daily buses from Seoul to Yeosu run every 40 minutes. It takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from Seoul and costs 22,300 KRW – 40,300 KRW for one way.
- By KTX : The high-speed train KTX is one of the best ways. A trip from Seoul to Yeosu takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs 46,000 KRW – 47,500 KRW per trip.
- By Plane : There are direct flights from Gimpo Airport to Yeosu Airport and the travel time is 1 hour. The ticket prices are subject to change from time to time.
3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS ITINERARY
Day 1
- Seoul Express Bus Terminal
- Yeosu Express Bus Terminal
- Lunch at Samhakjib (삼학집)
- Odongdo Island (오동도)
- Hotel Check-in
- Dinner at Nangman Pocha Street (낭만포차거리)
Samhakjib (삼학집)
One of the must-try restaurants in Yeosu and it is famous for Seodae-Hoe (서대회), one kind of raw tonguefish. The food price is reasonable and try to avoid lunch time or dinner time if possible. The waiting time might up to 30 minutes at peak hours.
- Address: 66 Paradise Spa Hostel 1st Floor, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전남 여수시 오동도로 66 파라다이스 스파호스텔 1층)
- Phone number: 061-662-0261
- Operating hours: 0900 – 2000 (everyday)
Odongdo Island (오동도)
Odongdo Island is only walking distance from samhakjib. The island itself is quite small but has much to offer, including various species of trees and unique cliffs with amazing views of the sea. It is also a great place to take Instagram-worthy photos. If you hate walking, Camellia Train is definitely a good choice.
- Address: 222, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 오동도로 222)
- Camellia Train:
- Operating hours: March-October 09:30-18:00 / November-February 09:30-17:00
- Fare (one-way): Adults 1,000 won / Children & senior citizens 500 won
- Adults (ages 19-64) / Children (ages 6-18) / Senior citizens (ages 65 and older)
Nangman Pocha Street (낭만포차거리)
‘Nangman’ has a meaning of romance and ‘Pocha’ means street vendors in Korean. Nangman Pocha Street is a hot place for youngsters, pay a visit if you do not want to be left out. Feel the romantic vibes there while having a sip of soju, it will be an unforgettable experience in life.
- Address: 246 Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 중앙동 246번지)
- Operating hours: 1800 – 0100 (everyday)
Day 2
- Brunch at Sunshimwon (순심원)
- Yi Sun Shin Square (이순신광장)
- Yeosudang (여수당)
- Manseongri Black Sand Beach (만성리모래해변)
- Cafe NCNP
- Rest and dinner at hotel
- Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
- Supper & goodnight
Sunshimwon (순심원)
Famous Chinese restaurant in Yeosu. Famous for their seafood Jajangmyeon as it is served on hot plate. Kimchi and kkakdugi are served as side dishes. Also, avoid visiting during lunch and dinner time.
- Address: 5-17 Gyodongnam 1-gil, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do (전남 여수시 교동남1길 5-17)
- Phone number: 061-663-5482
- Operating hours: 1100 – 2000 (everyday)
Yi Sun Shin Square (이순신광장)
A statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin stands in the middle of the roundabout at the entrance of the square, giving tribute to the famous loyal and skilled naval commander. Another statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
- Address: 243 Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 중앙동 243)
- Operating hours: 24 hours
Yeosudang (여수당)
A perfect place for dessert after a stroll at Yi Sun Shin Square. Their representative menus are Mugwort Ice-cream (KRW 3,000) and Handmade Baguette Burger (KRW 4,000).
- Address: 72 Jungang-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전남 여수시 중앙로 72)
- Phone number: 061-661-0222
- Operating hours: 1000 – 2100 (everyday)
Manseongri Black Sand Beach (만성리모래해변)
Manseongri is the liveliest beach in Yeosu with lots of restaurants and cafes along the beach. However, it is not a great spot for swimming. It is recommended to try out the Ocean Rail Bike there as well.
- Address: 15-1 Manseongri-gil, Manheung-dong, Yeosu-si (여수시 만흥동 만성리길15-1번길)
Cafe NCNP
The main building with glass window all over enables visitors to enjoy the calm and beautiful coastal scenery while having a cup of coffee.
- Address: 111-2, Manheung-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 망양로 201)
- Phone number: 010-5024-4550
- Operating hours: 1000 – 2100 (everyday)
Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
Korea’s longest over-water cable car, stretches a distance of 1.5 kilometers between Dolsan and Jasan Parks. The cable cars are divided into regular cabins and special Crystal Cabins, which have a see-through floor. It is suggested to visit in the evening for amazing nightscapes.
- Addresses:
- Dolsan Station: 3600-1, Dolsan-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 돌산로 3600-1)
- Odongdo Public Parking Lot: 116, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 여수시 오동도로 116)
- Operating hours: 10:00 – 21:30 (everyday)
- Fares:
- General cabin round-trip: Adults 15,000 won / Children 11,000 won
- General cabin one-way: Adults 12,000 won / Children 8,000 won
- Crystal cabin round-trip: Adults 22,000 won
Day 3
- Brunch at WonZou 40 (원조40번)
- Yeosu Express Bus Terminal
- Seoul Express Bus Terminal
WonZou 40 (원조40번)
This place was originally a traditional Korean style bar before it turned into a restaurant, selling braised pork ribs.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST …
It was an unforgettable experience for me to visit Yeosu this Summer. Hopefully the itinerary and tips are helpful for those who would need it. Chills and peace out !
Read More: A day in Mokpo – Walk on Water and Watch the Sunset
